The Issue
ASLA supports legislation that would establish centers of excellence for green infrastructure and assist in implementing green infrastructure projects that will address stormwater management issues.
Background & Analysis
Legislation will soon be introduced by Congresswoman Donna Edwards M(MD) and Senator Tom Udall (NM), that would allow states, localities and other qualified entities to receive grants to plan, design, and implement green infrastructure projects that will address stormwater management and other water quality and quantity issues.
The legislation would also establish at least 3 Centers of Excellence for Green Infrastructure across the country which would, among other things, provide technical assistance to state and local governments and conduct research on stormwater, sewer overflow reduction, and other approaches to water resource enhancement. Finally, the legislation would promote the use of green infrastructure by encouraging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to integrate green infrastructure in permitting and other regulatory programs, codes, and ordinance development.
ASLA has joined with the American Rivers, the Natural Resource Defense Council, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and other allied organizations to urge congressional support for legislation that would promote the use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater.
Sponsor(s)
Rep. Donna Edwards (MD)
Sen. Tom Udall (NM)
Current Status
This legislation is currently awaiting introduction in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.
History
The Green
Infrastructure for Clean Water Act (H.R. 2030, S. 1115 was
introduced in the 112th and the 111th Congress by Rep. Donna Edwards (MD) and Senator Tom Udall (NM). ASLA
successfully worked to secure several sponsors for both measures.
On
September 28, 2011, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on
Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on “Impact
of Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development on the Nation’s Water
Quality, Economy and Communities,” where David Yocca, FASLA, representing
ASLA, testified on the use of landscape architecture design techniques that
address stormwater management while jumpstarting economic development in
communities. Both the 112th and the 111th Congress expired before further action
was taken on either measure.
Resources
Related ASLA Policies
• Climate Change
• Environmental Sustainability
